Equivalent Fractions Worksheets

Using this page

Find the missing number to make two fractions equal, such as 2/3 = ?/12 or 15/20 = 3/?. Grade 3 in the Common Core introduces equivalent fractions and Grade 4 explains why multiplying the top and bottom by the same number keeps the value. Questions go both ways, scaling up and simplifying down. Suits around Year 4 and Year 5 in Australia and Grades 3 and 4 in the US (Common Core 3.NF.A.3 and 4.NF.A.1), but use whatever level fits the child.

Tips

• Draw a quick bar or circle when a question feels abstract; pictures make fraction rules make sense.
• Say fractions in words, such as 'three eighths', to keep the size of the parts in mind.
• Simplify answers at the end unless your class does it differently.
• Link fractions to money and time: a quarter of a dollar is 25 cents and a quarter of an hour is 15 minutes.

Worked example

2/3 = ?/12. The denominator went from 3 to 12, which is × 4. Do the same to the numerator: 2 × 4 = 8. So 2/3 = 8/12. Going down works the same way: in 15/20 = 3/?, the numerator went from 15 to 3, which is ÷ 5, so 20 ÷ 5 = 4 and the answer is 3/4.

Common mistakes

Adding instead of multiplying, so 2/3 = ?/12 becomes 11/12 because 3 + 9 = 12.

Changing only one number. Whatever you do to the bottom, do to the top.

How to use this generator

Choose the options above the sheet: the number of questions and the settings for this kind of worksheet. Every change makes a new sheet straight away, and New worksheet gives a different set of questions with the same settings.

Each sheet has a worksheet number printed at the top. Type the same number later, or keep the page link, to print exactly the same questions and answer key again. Leave Answer key page ticked to print the answers on a second page, then press Print. Every printed page carries the makekite logo and web address.

Common questions

Why does multiplying top and bottom not change the size?
It cuts each part into smaller equal pieces. 2/3 of a pizza is the same amount as 8/12 when each third is cut into four slices.

How are answers written in the key?
Fraction answers are given in simplest form, and answers greater than one are written as mixed numbers, such as 1 1/3.

Can I print the same worksheet again?
Yes. Note the worksheet number printed at the top, or keep the link in your browser's address bar, which ends with that number. Entering it later gives the same questions and answers.

Is it free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere: the sheets are made in your browser.